Computer-based training for sea-going engineers

Abstract

Importance of the safety at sea and preserving the sea environment has been increased in the operations of the ships during last decades. To achieve a safe navigation and preserve the environment, ships are equipped according to the International regulations and standards. On the other hand, sea personnel are the people who fulfill these tasks by using the equipment. Therefore, the training of the seafarers for updated information and for better skills also became a very crucial issue. Even though there are new regulations and guidelines, this still does not reduce the accidents which 80% of still caused by human mistakes. The tasks expected from the sea personnel to provide a safe navigation are: · To perform their duties without risking the safety of the ship, · To be able to take action fastly and reliably when any unexpected event occur. Successes of achieving these tasks are based on the level of the personnel’s knowledge and skills. The lack of these causes the personnel not being able to use the equipments appropriately and effectively that also increases the risk in an abnormal situation resulting more harm at the incident. This paper discusses the application of Computer-Assisted Training programs in the teaching and learning process at Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty.